Electronic shift control device for a bicycle derailleur

ABSTRACT

A control device for a bicycle has a housing configured to be mountable to the bicycle and sized and shaped to be grasped by a user&#39;s hand and a battery receptacle positioned on the housing. The housing has a base portion and an extension portion. The base portion includes first and second ends, a downward facing side, an upward facing side, an inward facing side, an outward facing side, and a handlebar clamp disposed at the first end. A battery receptacle is positioned on a first side, which can be the downward facing side, of the base portion of the housing. An accessory port can be positioned on a second side of the base portion of the housing, different from the first side, and which can be the inward or outward facing side of the base portion of the housing.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/123,751, filed Dec. 16, 2020, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/868,550, filed Jan. 11, 2018, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,894,578, issued Jan. 19, 2021 the contents of which areincorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to a bicycle controldevice, and more particularly to a bicycle control device that includesa brake lever and an electronic shift control system for mounting to ahandlebar of a bicycle.

Description of Related Art

For a typical electronic shift control device for a bicycle, the batteryunit for the shift control system and the jacks for connecting remoteshift control buttons are packaged together on a circuit board assembly.This increases the cost and limits the placement options for thesecomponents on the device.

Also, the battery is received in a receptacle of the battery unit thatis closed by a battery cover. The battery cover is attached to thedevice using multiple small threaded fasteners. The small fasteners canmake removal and reinstallation of the battery cover difficult. Thisalso requires that a user or ride has the correct tool on hand wheneverthe battery must be removed and replaced.

Further, the remote connection jacks for connecting remote shift controlbuttons are not typically sealed against ingress of water or othercontaminants, unless a separate plug is installed. Without a plug placedin the jacks, water and other contaminants can enter and reach thebattery circuit board assembly and travel through the electrical cablesto the shift button circuit board assembly. These components can becomedamaged when exposed to water and other contaminants.

The battery unit is not typically sealed against ingress of water orcontaminants, unless the battery cover seal is installed. In some cases,the battery cover may be compromised, which may result in ingress ofwater or other contaminants even if the battery cover is in place.Without a proper batter cover seal, water and other contaminants canenter the battery unit and reach the battery circuit board assembly andcan travel through the electrical cables to the shift button circuitboard assembly. Again, these components can become damaged when exposedto water and other contaminants.

Still further, an electrical cable typically connects the shift buttoncircuit board assembly to the battery and to the remote shift buttonjack circuit board assembly. The cable passes through the center of thehood or housing of the bicycle control device. Thus, either the cable isrequired to be connected after the cable is routed through the hood ofthe device, or the hood must be slotted to accept the cable. Adding aslot to the hood compromises the strength of the hood. Attaching thecable after the cable is routed through the hood can also beproblematic. This is because the bicycle control device needs to bebuilt and tested independent of the brake control assembly, which is apart of the device.

Also, a grommet seal is typically employed at the interface between theelectrical cable and the shift control circuit board in the shift lever.This requires that the multiple pin connector that is used to secure thecable to the circuit board be installed after the cable is passedthrough the grommet. Thus, assembly of the bicycle control device can berendered more difficult.

SUMMARY

A bicycle control device is disclosed herein and includes a brake leverand an electronic shift control system. The control device is mounted toa handlebar of a bicycle via a main hood or housing, which includes abracket and creates or defines a grip. In one example, the brake controlof the control device is for a hydraulic brake system. However, thedisclosed bicycle control device can instead be configured using amechanical cable brake system. The electronic shift control system ofthe control device has a primary actuating button that is locatedadjacent to the brake lever. The electronic shift control system is alsoconfigured to wirelessly transmit shift signals, has a battery unit, andincludes inputs or jacks for connecting to remote shift control buttonslocated elsewhere on the bicycle.

In one example, according to the teachings of the present disclosure, acontrol device is mountable to a bicycle handlebar. The control deviceincludes a housing sized and shaped to be grasped by a user's hand, ashift lever coupled to and movable relative to the housing, anelectrical switch that can be actuated by movement of the shift lever,and a controller in communication with the electrical switch. Thecontroller is configured to generate a signal in response to actuationof the electrical switch. The control device also includes acommunication module configured to transmit the signal, a batteryreceptacle on a part of the housing, and a removable battery coverclosing off the battery receptacle. The battery receptacle is configuredto contain a battery for providing power to the controller and thecommunication module. The housing has a base portion and an extensionportion. The base portion includes first and second ends, a downwardfacing side, an upward facing side, an inward facing side, an outwardfacing side, and a handlebar clamp disposed at the first end. When thecontrol device is mounted to a bicycle handlebar, the base portionextends generally horizontally, and the extension portion extendsforwardly of the base portion at the second end and is angled generallyupwardly from the base portion. The battery receptacle opens to thedownward facing side of the base portion.

In one example, the battery cover can be rotatable to remove from andinstall over the battery receptacle.

In one example, the battery cover can be circular and can include aseal, such as an O-ring, around a circumference thereof.

In one example, the battery receptacle can be provided within a batterycase that can be received in a recess in the base portion of the housingand that can be fastened or secured to the housing.

In one example, the battery cover can be removable from and installableon a battery case that is attached to the housing.

In one example, the battery cover can be removable to access the batteryreceptacle and can be removed and installed without use of a tool.

In one example, the battery cover and a battery case can be provided asa part of a shift lever assembly that also includes the shift lever. Thebattery case can be connected to the shift lever by an electrical wire.

In one example, the control device can include one or more accessoryjacks that are accessible on a side of the base portion of the housingother than the downward facing side.

In one example, the control device can include one or more accessoryjacks that are accessible on either the inward facing side or theoutward facing side of the base portion of the housing.

In one example, the control device can include a brake lever that can bepivotally mounted to the housing and operable to operate a brake systemof a bicycle.

In one example, the shift lever can be a part of a shift lever assemblythat is mounted to a brake lever of the control device. The shift levercan pivot in concert with the brake lever about a brake pivot axis andcan be movable independent of the brake lever laterally about a shiftlever pivot axis oriented perpendicular to or differently from the brakelever pivot axis.

In one example, the control device can include a controller that can beconfigured to generate a signal to change a shift position of a gearshifting mechanism of a bicycle responsive to actuation of an electricalswitch.

In one example, the controller can be configured to generate a radiofrequency signal to change a shift position of a gear shift mechanism ofa bicycle responsive to actuation of an electrical switch. An antennacan be in radio frequency communication with the controller to send theradio frequency signal.

In one example, the control device can include an electrical switch, acontroller, and an antenna, each of which can be a part of a shift leverassembly and can be carried on a portion of the shift lever.

In one example, the control device can include a shift lever assembly,which further includes a printed circuit board carried within a portionof the shift lever. An electrical switch, a controller, and an antennacan each be carried, at least in part, by a printed circuit board withinthe shift lever.

In one example, the battery receptacle can be provided within a batterycase that is received in a recess in the base portion of the housing.The battery case can include a second cavity disposed opposite thebattery receptacle on the battery case. The second cavity can facetoward a recess in the housing.

In one example, the control device can further include a positivecontact with a contact portion exposed within the battery receptacle anda connector portion exposed within the second cavity, a negative contactwith a contact portion exposed within the battery receptacle and aconnector portion exposed within the second cavity, and electrical wiresconnected to the connector portions of the first and second contactsexposed within the second cavity. The second cavity can be filled withan epoxy material, which can cover the electrical wires and theconnector portions of the first and second contacts.

In one example, the communication module can be a wireless communicationmodule configured to wirelessly transmit the signal.

In one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure, acontrol device for a bicycle includes a housing mountable to the bicycleand sized and shaped to be grasped by a user's hand, a batteryreceptacle positioned on the housing, and at least one accessory jackaccessible on an exterior of the housing. The at least one accessoryjack is configured to receive an electrical connector of a remoteaccessory spaced from the control device on the bicycle. The housing hasa base portion and an extension portion. The base portion includes firstand second ends, a downward facing side, an upward facing side, ininward facing side, an outward facing side, and a handlebar clampdisposed at the first end. When the control device is mounted to abicycle handlebar, the base portion extends generally horizontally, andthe extension portion extends forwardly of the base portion at thesecond end and is angled generally upwardly from the base portion. Thebattery receptacle is positioned on a first side selected from thedownward, upward, inward, and outward facing sides of the base portionof the housing. The at least one accessory jack is positioned on asecond side different than the first side and selected from thedownward, upward, inward, and outward facing sides of the base portionof the housing.

In one example, the control device can include a shift lever assemblyattached to the housing. The shift lever assembly can include a batterycase attached to the first side of the housing. The battery receptaclecan be defined within the battery case and can open to an exterior ofthe housing. A shift lever can be coupled to and movable relative to thehousing. Movement of the shift lever can actuate an electrical switch. Acontroller can be in wireless communication with the electrical switchand can be connected to the battery case by a first electrical wire. Theat least one accessory jack can be connected to the controller by asecond electrical wire.

In one example, the housing can be configured to provide a first wirepath whereby a first electrical wire is directed from a controller tothe position of the battery receptacle and to provide a second wire pathwhereby a second electrical wire is directed from the controller to theposition of the at least one accessory jack.

In one example, the control device can include a brake lever pivotallyconnected to and movable relative to the housing.

In one example, the control device can include a shift lever assemblywith a shift lever that can be mounted to the brake lever. The shiftlever can pivot in concert with the brake lever about a brake pivot axisand can be movable independent of the brake lever laterally about ashift lever pivot axis that is different from the brake lever pivotaxis.

In one example, the control device can include a shift lever assemblythat can include a printed circuit board housed within a cavity in apaddle end of a shift lever.

In one example, the at least one accessory jack can include a pluralityof accessory jacks. The plurality of accessory jacks can each beconnected to a controller of a shift lever assembly by a correspondingplurality of second electrical wires.

In one example, the control device can include a controller that can beconfigured to generate a signal to change a shift position of a gearshifting mechanism of a bicycle responsive to actuation of an electricalswitch.

In one example, the battery receptacle can be positioned on the downwardfacing side of the base portion of the housing.

In one example, the at least one accessory jack can be positioned on theinward facing side or the outward facing side of the base portion of thehousing.

In one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure, acontrol device is configured for operating an electromechanical gearshifting mechanism of a bicycle. The control device includes a housingmountable to a bicycle and a brake lever coupled to and pivotallymovable relative to the housing. The brake lever has a contact surfaceon a part thereof, a shift lever movable in concert with the brake leverand movable relative to the housing and relative to the brake lever, anda backer provided on a receiving portion of the shift lever. The contactsurface of the brake lever is disposed in contact with the backer.

In one example, the receiving portion can be a pocket provided on theshift lever.

In one example, the backer can be seated in a pocket on the shift leverand can have a friction reducing surface exposed to and in contact withthe contact surface of the brake lever.

In one example, the backer can be seated in a pocket on the shift lever.

In one example, the backer can be captured between the contact surfaceof the brake lever and the receiving portion on the shift lever.

In one example, the backer can be made from a material different fromthe shift lever and can be attached to the shift lever.

In one example, the backer can be formed from a Teflon material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a bicycle including a bicycle control deviceaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a rear and outside perspective view of the bicycle controldevice and a portion of the handlebar of the bicycle depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the bicycle control device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows an outside view of the bicycle control device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the bicycle control device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows an inside bottom perspective view of the bicycle controldevice of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 shows the bicycle control device of FIG. 6, but with an outercover removed.

FIG. 8 shows an outside bottom perspective view of the bicycle controldevice of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section taken along line 9-9 of the brake lever andshift lever assembly of the bicycle control device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 shows a cross section taken along line 10-10 of the brake leverand shift lever assembly of the bicycle control device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a partial exploded view of the bicycle control device ofFIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 12 shows a further exploded view of the bicycle control device ofFIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the shift lever assembly of thebicycle control device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of the shiftlever assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded bottom perspective view of a battery unit ofthe shift lever assembly of FIGS. 11-13.

FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of the battery unit of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a cross section taken along line 17-17 of the bicyclecontrol device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 18 shows a bottom perspective view of a housing portion of thebicycle control device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 19 shows the housing portion of FIG. 18, but with the battery unitremoved.

FIG. 20 shows the housing portion of FIG. 19, but with a batteryreceptacle of the battery unit installed in the housing.

FIG. 21 shows an inside front perspective view of the bicycle controldevice of FIG. 7.

FIG. 22 shows a top perspective view of the housing portion of FIGS.18-20.

FIG. 23 shows the housing portion of FIG. 22, but with protective coversinstalled on parts or regions of the housing.

FIG. 24 shows an assembled perspective vie of the shift lever portion ofthe shift lever assembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 25 shows a partial exploded view of the shift lever portion of FIG.24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A bicycle control device is disclosed herein that solves or improvesupon one or more of the above-mentioned and/or other problems anddisadvantages with prior known control devices. The disclosed bicyclecontrol device includes a brake lever and an electronic shift controlsystem. The control device is mounted to a handlebar of a bicycle. Thebrake control of the control device may be for operating a hydraulicbrake system or a mechanical cable brake system. The electronic shiftcontrol system of the control device is also configured to wirelesslytransmit shift signals, has a battery unit, and includes accessoryports, or jacks, for connecting to remote shift control devices orbuttons located elsewhere on the bicycle. The accessory ports may beconfigured as input ports to receive input signals from the remote shiftcontrol devices.

Those having ordinary skill in the art should understand that thedrawings and detailed description provided herein are for illustrationonly and do not limit the scope of the invention or the disclosure. Theappended claims define the scope of the invention and the disclosure.The terms “first”, “second,” and the like, as well as “front”, “rear,”“left”, “right”, and the like are used for the sake of clarity. Suchterms and similar terms are not used herein as terms of limitation.Further, such terms refer to bicycle mechanisms that are conventionallymounted to a bicycle and with the bicycle oriented and used in astandard manner, unless otherwise indicated.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a bicycle 50 with a frame52, a front wheel 54 coupled to a fork 56 of the frame, and a rear wheel58 coupled to seat stays 60 and chain stays 62 of the frame. The wheels54, 58 support the frame 52 above a surface on which the bicycle 50 cantravel in a forward direction indicated by the arrow ‘A’. The bicycle 50has a drop-bar type handlebar 64 that is mounted to a head tube 66 ofthe frame 52. The bicycle 50 also has a seat 68 carried by a seat post70 received in a seat tube 72 of the frame 50. The bicycle 50 may haveone or both of a front gear changer 74 and a rear gear changer 76mounted to the frame 52. The gear changers 74, 76 may beelectromechanical derailleurs, for example. The bicycle 50 includes amultiple-geared drive train 78 with one or more chainrings 80 driven bya crank assembly 82, which has two crank arms 84 and two pedals,respectively 86. The chainrings 80 may be connected to a plurality ofsprockets 88 at the rear wheel 58 by a chain 90. The bicycle 50 asdescribed above is known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the bicycle 50 in the disclosed example has atleast one bicycle control device 100, hereinafter the “control device100”, which can be mounted to the handlebar 64. In this example, thecontrol device 100 includes a brake control element of a brake system.The brake control element includes a brake lever 102 that is movablyconnected to a hood or housing 104 of the device. The brake lever 102operates components of the braking system of the bicycle 50. In oneexample, the brake system can include one or both of a hydraulic frontbrake mechanism 106 coupled to the front wheel 54 and a hydraulic rearbrake mechanism 108 coupled to the rear wheel through hydraulic lines110. As noted above, the brake system can instead be a mechanical cabletype brake system. As described in greater detail below, the controldevice 100 also includes a shift control element of an electronic shiftcontrol system. The shift control element includes a shift leverassembly 112 for shifting the gears of the bicycle 50.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6, various exterior views are depicted of thecontrol device 100, which is constructed according to one example of thepresent disclosure. The control device 100 is mountable to the handlebar64. In one example, the housing 104 can incorporate and include a knowntype of clamp 120, which may be or include an adjustable band thatextends around the handlebar. In one example, the bicycle 50 may includea pair of the control devices 100, one on each of the left and rightsides of the handlebar 64, as is well known. One having ordinary skillin the art should understand that together the pair of control devices100 may be configured to operate the respective front and rearelectromechanical derailleurs 74, 76 and the respective front and rearbrake mechanisms 106, 108. In one example, the pair of control devices100 may be identical to one another.

In the disclosed example, referring to FIGS. 6-8, the control device 100includes a hood, i.e., the housing 104, which may be covered with anexterior or outer cover 122. The housing 104 is shaped and sized to begrasped by a hand of a user or rider and the outer cover 122 can beconfigured to closely follow and overlie the shape of the housing. Thehousing 104 and outer cover 122 can serve as a grip or can together beconfigured as a graspable portion of the control device 100. The housing104 may be formed of any suitable material, such as for example, metal,plastic, and/or composite materials. The housing 100 is constructed tocarry, house, and/or support the various components and mechanisms ofthe control elements of the brake system and the electronic shiftcontrol system, as described in greater detail below. The outer cover122 may be made of any suitable material, such as natural and/orsynthetic elastomeric materials and may be designed to present acomfortable interface with the user and to reduce the tendency to becomedetached or moved from its position on the exterior of the housing 100.For example, the outer cover 122 may be formed of a flexiblethermoplastic elastomer (TPE) such as Santoprene™. The outer cover 122may be configured to be removably attached to and held in position onthe housing 104 using any known securement or attachment method.

In this example, referring to FIGS. 7-9 wherein the outer cover 122 hasbeen removed, the brake lever 102 is pivotally or movably attached tothe housing 104. The brake lever 102 may be attached to the housing 104at or near the leading or front part of the housing so that the brakelever is spaced forward from the handlebar 64. The brake lever 102 maythus be pivotable relative to the housing 104 generally forward andrearward. The brake lever 102 may also be made of any suitable materialsuch as metal, plastic, or composite materials. The brake lever 102 mayinclude a pivot bore or holes 124 near the proximal end. The pivot holes124 can be aligned with one another and define a pivot axis P that isoriented generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of a grip handle125 of the brake lever 102. The brake lever 102 can be attached to thehousing 100 by an axle 126, which may in the form of a pivot pin, a rod,a shaft, or the like, through the holes 124.

In the disclosed example, referring to FIG. 2, the brake lever 102 mayhave a U-shaped recess or define a channel 128 along at least alengthwise portion of the grip handle 125. The shift lever assembly 112may be positioned in a nested arrangement at least partially within therecess or channel 128, as described in more detail below. This nestedarrangement of the shift lever assembly 112 with the brake lever 102,and the U-shape of the lever body, can impart some rigidity to thestructure and may provide protection for components disposed within thechannel. The shift lever assembly 112 may also be pivotally or movablyattached to the housing 100, to a pivot mechanism, or to the brake lever102. The shift lever assembly 112 may be positioned behind the brakelever 102, i.e., between the brake lever and the handlebar 64 wheninstalled on the bicycle 50. The shift lever assembly 112 may also bemade of any suitable materials, such as plastic or composite materials.In one example, the shift lever assembly 112 should be made, at least inpart, from a material that does not significantly inhibit wirelesslytransmitted signals from penetrating the material.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict cross sections of the brake lever 102 and theshift lever assembly 112 in an assembled or in-use arrangement.Referring to FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, the channel 128 of the brake lever 102is defined between spaced apart side walls including an inside wall 130a and an outside wall 130 b, with reference to the orientation of thebicycle 50, and within a front facing wall 130 c. The shift leverassembly is nested in the channel 128. As described in further detailbelow, the shift lever assembly 112 can pivot laterally in a directionbetween the side walls 130 a, 130 b about an axis S that is generallyperpendicular to the pivot axis P of the brake lever 102 about the axle126. Thus, the shift lever assembly 112 can move in inboard and outboarddirections relative to the bicycle 50 while staying nested and alignedwith the brake lever 102.

In general, referring to FIGS. 9-11, the shift lever assembly 112 has ashift lever 132 including a proximal end 134 that is directly orindirectly pivotally attached to the housing 104 or the brake lever 102by a pivot pin 136, which defines the pivot axis S of the shift leverassembly. The shift lever 132 also has a distal or paddle end 138 thatis opposite the proximal end and an elongate lever arm 140 connectingthe proximal and distal ends. The lever arm 140 may be a closed hollowbody or may be U-shaped or open sided and can include structural ribbingtherein.

In one example, the proximal end 134 of the shift lever 132 may alsohave a transverse opening 142 that is positioned to accommodate thepivot axle 126 of the brake lever 102 passing through the shift leverassembly 112. The proximal end 134 of the shift lever 132 may also carryconnecting components (not described in detail herein) for connectingthe brake lever 102 to the hydraulic brake system. Those components caninclude a sleeve 144 carried by the shift lever 132 and spaced from andparallel to the transverse opening 142. When the shift lever assembly112 is assembled to the brake lever 102, the sleeve is received in a setof openings 145 at the proximal end of the brake lever 102, which arespaced from the pivot bore 124. The combination of the sleeve 144 andopenings 145, along with the transverse opening 142 and the axle 126,marries the brake lever 102 and the shift lever assembly 112 togetherrelative to the brake lever pivot axis P. The shift lever assembly 112is thus configured to move in concert with the brake lever 102 about thepivot axis P when the brake system is operated, but moves independent ofthe brake lever when the shift control system is operated. As describein more detail below, the paddle end 138 of the shift lever 132 includesan interior cavity 146 that houses electronic components of the shiftlever assembly 112 and the shift control system.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the bicycle control device 100 has fourprimary parts including the housing 104, the outer cover 122 (not shown,see FIG. 6), the brake lever 102, and the shift lever assembly 112. Theshift lever assembly 112 and the housing 104 each further includeadditional sub-components according to the teachings of the presentinvention and as illustrated generally in FIG. 12.

In the disclosed example, referring to FIGS. 11-14, the shift leverassembly 112 is a self-contained electrical assembly, which providesseveral advantages and improvements, as described below, over priorknown bicycle control devices of this type. In this example, the shiftlever assembly 112 includes electronic componentry for operating thebicycle control device 100. Some of the electronic componentry in thisexample is housed within the interior cavity 146 in the paddle end 138of the shift lever 132 and some of the componentry is external to butelectrically connected with the componentry within the cavity.

The paddle end 138 of the shift lever 132 in this example has a largersurface area than the adjoining lever arm 140. The paddle end 138 thusprovides a convenient and ergonomic contact point for a user. Theinterior cavity 146 includes a cover 148, which can be secured byfasteners 150 to the paddle end 138 to close off the cavity and excludewater and other contaminants from entry into the cavity. A seal 152 maybe interposed between the interior cavity 146 and the cover 148. Theseal 152 may be a rubber seal membrane or layer or any suitable materialthat satisfactorily seals the cavity 146 to prevent ingress of moistureor contaminants.

In one example, a printed circuit board (PCB) 154 is disposed within thesealed cavity 146. Various electronic componentry may be mounted on orconnected to the PCB 154. The PCB 154 may include a communication module156 configured to transmit signals from the control device 100. In oneexample, the communication module 156 may be configured for wirelesstransmission of signals in the form of electromagnetic radiation (EMR),such as radio waves or radio frequency signals. Optionally, thecommunication module 156 may also be configured to receive signals. Inone example, the communication module 156 may be configured to receivesignals, which may be in the form of EMR such as radio waves or radiofrequency signals. The communications module 156 can include or can be atransmitter or a transceiver. The PCB 154 may also include an antenna158 that is in operative communication with the communication module 156to send and optionally also receive EMR signals. The antenna 158 may beany device designed to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic radiation(e.g. TV or radio) waves.

In the disclosed example, the antenna 158 is on the PCB 154 in aposition where it will be able to send signals without significantinterference from the structure of the bicycle control device 100 and/orfrom a user's hand. In another example, to help reduce or preventinterference, the antenna 158 may be a wireless antenna and may bepositioned, at least in part, in or on a portion of the bicycle controldevice 100 that is separate and remote or spaced from the housing 104.The antenna 158 may be positioned on another part of the brake lever 102or the shift lever 132, for example.

The bicycle control device 100 also includes a controller 160, which inthis example is also on the PCB 154. The controller 160 is operativelyconnected to the communication module 156 to perform electronicoperations such as generating the signals related to one or more ofshifting, pairing, derailleur trim operations, power management, and thelike. The controller 160 may be programmable and configurable togenerate signals to control the front and rear derailleurs 74, 76, forexample. In one example, the controller 160 may be an Atmel ATmega324PAmicrocontroller with an internal EEPROM memory. The communication module156 may also be programmable and configurable to likewise to transmitand/or receive signals to control the front and rear derailleurs 74, 76.In one example, the communication module 156 may be an Atmel AT86RF2312.4 GHz transceiver utilizing AES encryption and DSS spread spectrumtechnology supporting 16 channels and the IEEE 802.15.4 communicationprotocol. However, other suitable microcontrollers 160 andcommunications modules 156 may be utilized. Additionally, ancillaryelectrical and/or electronic devices and components may be used, as iswell known in the art, to further enhance or enable the function andoperation of the controller 160 and the communications module 156 andrelated components.

In one example, the bicycle control device 100 may include at least onelight emitting diode (LED) 162, which may also be positioned on the PCB154. The LED 162 may convey status information to a user or a riderrelating to the electronic componentry and function of the shift leverassembly 112 or bicycle control device 100. The LED 162 in this exampleis visible through a transparent part 164 of the seal 152 and a windowor opening 166 in the cover 148 of the cavity 146. In one example, theentire seal 152 may be transparent. Alternatively, only the part 164 ofthe seal material is configured to permits light through the seal.

Further, the electronic componentry may include one or more electricalswitches 170, 172. The electrical switches 170, 172, when actuated, maycause operations to be carried out by the controller 160. Suchoperations may relate to signal transmission or reception, derailleur,and control device 100 pairing, trim and/or shift operations, and thelike. The switches 170, 172 may generate signals to initiate or elicitan action and/or response from various mechanisms of the bicycle 50,such as the front and rear electromechanical derailleurs 74, 76.

In this example, the first electrical switch 170 includes a contact (notshown) on the PCB 154 underlying a resilient dome switch element 174,also on the PCB. In this example, the first electrical switch 170 isactuated through the seal 152 from outside the cavity 146 and the shiftlever 132. The cover 148 has a first switch opening 176, where both thecover and the opening are on the inward facing side of the shift lever132, i.e., the non-actuation side of the paddle end 138. An actuator 178is seated in the first switch opening 176, as depicted in FIGS. 6, 10,and 12. The actuator 178 includes a button 180 that is received in ahole 182 in the inside wall 130 a of the brake lever 102. A springretainer 184 is retained in the first switch opening 176 in the cover148. A spring 186 extends between the button 180 and the retainer 184and biases the shift lever toward the outside wall 130 b of the brakelever 102, as depicted in FIG. 10. A user or rider operates the shiftlever 132 by pushing inward on the actuation surface, i.e., outsidesurface of the paddle end 138 against the bias force of the spring 186.As the rider pushes on the paddle end 138, the button 180 willeventually contact the spring retainer 184. Through the seal 152, thespring retainer 184 will push against the domed switch element 174,which will further touch the contact on the PCB 154 to close and actuatethe first electrical switch 170.

The second electrical switch 172 includes a contact 190 on the PCB 154.The contact 190 may be a domed switch element or a pressure type switchcontact. In this example, the second electrical switch 172 is alsoactuated through the seal 152 from outside the cavity 146 and the shiftlever 132. The cover 148 has a second switch opening 192, where both thecover and the opening are again on the inward facing side of the shiftlever 132, i.e., the non-actuation side of the paddle end 138. A button194 extends through and is seated in the second switch opening 192 inthe cover 148, as depicted in FIG. 6. The button 194 may be integrallyformed as a part of the seal 152 or may be attached to the sealmaterial. A user or rider operates the second electrical switch 172simply by depressing the button 194 toward the cover 148. The button 194or the underlying material layer of the seal 152, may have a pointcontact (not shown) on the inside end, which pushes against the seal 152to depress and close the contact 190 to actuate the second electricalswitch 172.

The buttons 180 and 194 operate through the material layer of the seal152, whereby the integrity of the seal for the cavity 146 is notcompromised. Other types of electrical switches may be used. The firstelectrical switch 170 may be used for operating the bicycle controldevice 100 on a frequent and more forceful basis, such as to initiationof a gear shift or gear change. The second electrical switch 172 may bean optional switch and in this example, may be smaller and moreself-contained. The second electrical switch 172 may be intended to beused less frequently than the first electrical switch 170. In oneexample, the second electrical switch 172 may be used for operationsrelated to pairing the bicycle control device with a specific bicyclecomponent, such as the front or rear electromechanical derailleurs 74,76, or for trimming the derailleurs.

The electronic componentry on the PCB 154 and within the cavity 146 isretained and sealed in place in the cavity. The seal 152 overlies thePCB 154 and is sandwiched between the paddle end 138 and he cover 148 ofthe shift lever 132 when the cover is fastened to the shift lever.Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, the seal 152 may include a perimeter rib196 around the seal material. Likewise, the paddle end 138 may include agroove 198 around the opening into the cavity 146. The rib 196 can seatin the groove 198 to create a tight environmental seal when the cover148 is secured to the paddle end 138. The material layer of the seal 152may include raised or thickened regions 200, which may be positioned tocoincide with the electrical switches 170, 172, to encourage effectiveforce transfer from the buttons 180, 194 to the switches. The actuationof the electrical switches 170, 172 sends signals through associatedcircuitry, as is well known, to be acted upon by the controller 160.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, one or more wires or electrical cables 210are electrically connected to the electronic componentry of the PCB 154and are routed from the cavity 146 through an opening into the lever arm140. The wires 210 extend along the interior of the lever arm 140 andare routed around and between the sleeve 144 and the transverse opening142 on the proximal end 134 of the shift lever 132. In the disclosedexample, the wires are connected to a power supply, i.e., aself-contained battery unit 212. In this example, the shift leverassembly 112 also includes an accessory jack body 214 defining twoaccessory jacks 216, which are also electrically connected by the wires210 to the battery unit 212 and to the electronic componentry of the PCB154. In one example, the jack body 214 can be a single body defining twofemale accessory jacks 216 therein. Alternatively, each of the accessoryjacks 216 can include its own separate body 214 element. The wires 210thus electrically connect the power supply or battery unit 212 to theaccessory jacks 216 and to the electronic componentry of the shift leverassembly 112.

The accessory jacks 216 may be connected to the PCB 154 and/or to aseparate accessory PCB (not shown) within the accessory jack body 214.The accessory jack body 214, if provided, can define one or more thantwo accessory jacks 216, if desired. Connectors for optional remoteactuators, buttons, or switches may be connected to the bicycle controldevice 100 through the accessory jacks 216. The accessory jacks 216 canthen provide power and electrical connection and operation between theremote actuator(s) and the battery unit 212 and the PCB 154. Theaccessory jacks 216 may be configured to accept connectors from optionaladditional and/or remote electrical switches or other devices (notshown), such as optionally placed remote shift control buttons on thebicycle 50, to the control device 100. When no accessories are connectedto the control device 100, the accessory jacks 216 may be closed and/orsealed from moisture and contamination by inserting plugs 218 into thejacks.

The shift lever assembly 112 in this example is thus a self-containedelectrical component of the control device 100. The shift lever 132 andelectrical componentry are capable of wirelessly transmitting shiftcontrol signals to the front and rear derailleurs 74, 76 according toactuation of the shift lever 132. The battery unit 212 and eachaccessory jack 216 may be connected by separate wires 210 using amultiple pin connector at the PCB 154. The battery unit 212 and jacks216 can either have separate connection points to the PCB 154 or can usea cable assembly that starts with a single wire near the PCB and thensplits to two or more wires. The battery unit 212 and jack body 214 areeach connected to the housing 104 in a unique manner according to thepresent disclosure.

In this example, referring to FIGS. 12, 15, and 16, the battery unit 212includes a battery case 220 and a battery cover 222. The battery case220 is received in a recess 224 in the housing 104 and is fixedlyattached to the housing via fasteners. In this example, the battery case220 is fastened to the housing via screws 226, but could similarly beattached to the housing via snap features, adhesive, or another suitablemeans. A conventional and replaceable coin cell type battery 228 may bereceived within a battery receptacle 230 defined by the case 220 andopen to the exterior of the housing 104. Alternatively, the battery canbe a non-replaceable and/or rechargeable battery. The battery 228 may beconfigured to provide power for the control module 156, the controller160, and to remote switches or electrical devices via the accessoryjacks 216. The cover 222 is rotatable to install over the receptacle 230and the battery 228 and can be reverse rotated to be removed to accessthe battery. The cover 222 can include an elastomeric O-ring or gasket232 around its periphery to create a moisture and contaminant proof sealagainst the case 220 or the housing 104 when installed.

Referring to FIG. 16, the battery receptacle 230 includes a positivecontact 324 at a periphery wall 236 of the receptacle and includes anegative contact 238 at the center of the receptacle on a bottom wall240. Exposed contact portions of the electrical or positive and negativecontacts 234, 238 within the battery receptacle 230 contact thecorresponding two terminals of the battery 228. Referring to FIG. 15,the battery case 220 also includes a second cavity 242 on a sideopposite the battery receptacle 230 and which faces into the housingrecess 224 when the case is installed. Portions of the electricalcontacts 234 and 238 extend through holes within the case between thebattery receptacle 230 and the second cavity 242. Exposed connectorportions of the electrical contacts 234, 238 are connected to separatewires 210 within the second cavity 242. These connector portions can besoldered to join the wires 210 and the contacts 234, 238 and the wirescan then be connected to the PCB 154. Alternatively, the wires 210 canbe crimped or otherwise mechanically secured to the exposed portions ofthe contacts 234, 238. The positive and negative contacts 234, 238 canbe secured to the case via slot features in the wall 236 and bottom 240of the battery receptacle 230. Alternatively, the contacts couldsimilarly be attached to the case via staking, mechanical fasteners,adhesive, or another suitable means.

During assembly, the second cavity 242, which faces into the recess 224of the housing 104, is filled with an epoxy that acts to both secure thecontacts 234, 238 and wires 210 in place and to create a seal thatprevents water and other contaminants from reaching the contacts, thebattery 228, the battery receptacle 230, and the interior of the wires210. This epoxy seal could similarly be provided via a cover piece thatis attached to the second cavity 242 via plastic welding, fasteners,adhesive, or another suitable means.

The battery cover 222 may be secured via conventional mechanical threadsto the case 220. However, in this example, the cover 222 is secured tothe case 220 via a set of tabs 244 or keys and slots 246 or ways thatengage one another when the cover is twisted into place. The O-ring 232is compressed between the cover 222 and the case 220 or a surface of thehousing 104 to provides a second seal for the battery receptacle 230against water and other contamination. The battery cover 222 and/or thecase 220 may also contain a series of recesses or depressions 250 on theexposed outer surfaces. The outer cover 122 may include protruding bossfeatures (not shown) on the interior side of the cover that are receivedin these recesses or depressions 250. When the outer cover 122 bossfeatures are engaged with the recesses or depressions 250, unintentionalmovement of the battery cover 222 may be inhibited or prevented.

FIG. 17 shows a cross section of the assembled control device 100. Inthis example, the battery unit 212 is installed in the recess 224 in thehousing 104. The wires 210 between the battery unit 212 and the shiftlever 132 are routed via a first channel 252 in the housing 104 abovethe recess 224. The battery case 220 includes an upper block portion 254that seats in the first channel 252 to help cover the channel in theassembled control device 100. The block portion 254 also helps to alignthe case 220 during installation on the housing 104.

In the disclosed example, the housing 104 may be described as havingseveral sides including an inward facing side, an outward facing side, abottom side, and a top side. In this example, the battery unit 212 isinstalled on the bottom side of the housing, as depicted in FIGS. 7, 8,and 17. According to the present disclosure, though the shift leverassembly 112 includes the shift lever 132 and electronic componentry,the accessory jack body 214, and the battery unit 212 as aself-contained assembly, the accessory jack body can be installed on adifferent side of the housing 104. FIGS. 7 and 18-20 show that theaccessory jack body 214 is installed in a jack recess 256 on the inwardfacing side of the housing 104. A second channel 258 in the housing 104is disposed above the jack recess 256 for routing the wires 210 from thejack body 214 to the battery unit 212 and PCB 254.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 12, and 18, a jack cover 260 is removably attachedto the housing 103 to cover the jack recess 256 to secure and retain thejack body 216 within the jack recess. The jack recess 256 can be shapedto compliment the shape of the jack body 216 or the separate jack bodiesof the accessory jacks 216. The accessory jacks 216 in this example arefemale jacks with access openings (not shown) located on and accessiblefrom the external surface of the housing 104. The accessory jacks 216provide an interface between optional remote shift control buttonassemblies and the shift control system including the shift leverassembly 112. In one example, two or more accessory jacks could becombined into a single assembly with a single cable assembly emanatingto the battery unit 212 and PCB 154. In this example, the jack body 214is fixedly attached to the housing 104 via the jack cover 260 that isfastened to the housing with screws 262. The jack body 214 could insteadbe attached to the housing via snap features, adhesive, or othersuitable means. The jack body 214 could also be non-permanently fixed tothe housing such that the jack body or accessory jacks 216 can be liftedout of the housing when not covered by the jack cover 260.

Though not shown herein, the jack body 214 for each accessory jack 216can have two cavities including an interior cavity located closer to theshift control system and separated from an external cavity, whichdefines a plug interface or connector receiver for receiving a connectorfor an accessory component. Each plug interface can function, when inuse, to retain a remote shift control button connector therein and toelectrically connect the connector terminal to one end of a wire orcable assembly that terminates at the PCB 154 at the other end. Theterminal or terminals can extend from the external cavity to theinternal cavity for each accessory jack 216 and be connected to the wireor wires. The internal cavity is filled with an epoxy, similar to thebattery case second cavity 242. The epoxy can secure the wires in placeand create a seal that prevents water and other contaminants fromreaching the internal cavity, the cable, or wires therein, the pluginterface, and the external cavity. Such a seal could instead beprovided by molding the jack body or a separate interface piece over theexterior of the wire connections and jack body.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 11, 12, 13, and 21 when not being used, theaccessory jacks 216, and particularly the exterior cavities, can beclosed or plugged by inserting a plug 264 into each of the accessopenings. The plugs 264 are inserted into the jack body's externalcavities. A seal can be created via an elastomeric O-ring (not shown)that is compressed between the exterior of the plug 264 and the innerwall of the externa cavities. The plug seal prevents water andcontaminants from reaching the electrical interface and parts within thejack body 214. The connectors for remote accessories can look andfunction similar to the plugs 264, except that each connector would makeelectrical contact with a terminal or terminals within the externalcavities. The plugs 264 can include an extension or tail 266 thatprotrudes from the accessory jacks 216 so that the plugs can be easilygrasped and pulled from the jack body 214 when needed.

Referring to FIGS. 17-21, the housing 104 can be formed having a baseportion 267 and an extension portion 268. The base portion 267 caninclude first and second or rear facing and front facing ends, adownward facing side 269 a, an upward facing side 269 b, an inwardfacing side 269 c, an outward facing side 269 d. The handlebar clamp 120in this example is disposed at the first or rear facing end. When thecontrol device 100 is mounted to a bicycle handlebar 64, the baseportion 267 extends generally horizontally and the extension portion 268extends forwardly of the base portion at the second end and is angledgenerally upwardly from the base portion.

The inward facing side 269 c and an outward facing side 269 d, theinward facing side being closer to the center of the bicycle frame 52when the housing 104 is mounted on the handlebar 64. In this example,the remote shift control accessory jacks 216 are located on the inwardfacing side 269 c of the base portion 267 of the housing 104. However,the jacks could instead be positioned on the outward facing side 269 d,or on both sides. Further, in this example, the battery recess 224 inthe housing, and thus the battery case 220, are disposed on the downwardfacing side 269 a on the base portion 267. One or more electrical wires210 extend from the top of the jack body 214 and between the accessoryjacks 216 and the PCB 154. The wires 210 are compressed into and routedvia the second channel 258 in the housing 104 above the jack recess 256toward the wires of the battery unit 212. The wires 210 are then routedtoward the PCB 154 along with the wires for the battery unit 212. Thejack cover 260 can also have a gasket or seal that creates tight sealbetween the cover and the housing 104 when installed. The battery case220, when secured to the housing 104, also has features that secure thewires 210 by compressing the wires between the battery case and thehousing. The battery case 212 also has a guide feature, i.e., the blockportion 254 that guides the wires from the exterior to the interior ofthe housing 104.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a top view of the housing 104 with the outer cover122 removed. FIG. 22 shows a chamber 270 in the housing where the brakelever 102 is connected to the hydraulic brake system components. Thechamber 270 is accessible via a removable chamber cover 272, which isdepicted in FIG. 23. The chamber cover 272 can be secured to the housing104 by screws 274 or other fasters, snap connections, adhesive, or othersuitable securing means. Though not described in significant detailherein, the chamber 270 may house and provide access to components ofthe control device 100 for maintenance or adjustment. When the outercover 122 is attached to the housing 104, the chamber cover 272, jackcover 260 and battery cover 222 may all be covered and hidden and beprotected from the environment.

Referring to FIG. 17, the hydraulic brake system may generally include ahousing bore with a master cylinder sleeve 300 inserted into the boreand configured to act as a master cylinder for the brake system. Apiston 302 resides in and moves relative to the sleeve 300. The piston302 includes one end 304 coupled to the brake lever 102 and is operableby movement of the brake lever as is known in the art. The mastercylinder sleeve 300 is in fluid communication with the chamber 270,which can act as a brake fluid chamber for the brake system. The chamber270 can include a bleed port 306 and a bleed screw 308 movable in thebleed port to fill, top off, or bleed hydraulic fluid of the brakesystem via the chamber 270. In this example, a compliant or flexiblemembrane 310 may be provided over and closing off the open side of thechamber 270 to provide a defined fluid chamber having a variable volume.The membrane 310 may be positioned between the cover 272 and the openside of the chamber 270, as depicted in FIG. 17. Referring to FIGS. 11and 21, the housing 104 of the control device 100 may include a fluidoutlet port 312 in communication with the master cylinder sleeve 300. Asforce is applied to move the brake lever 102, fluid may be forced to thefluid outlet port. 312. The housing 104 of the control device may alsoinclude a control device fluid outlet 314 that is in fluid communicationwith the fluid outlet port 312. A hydraulic brake line 110 may beconnected to the control device outlet port 314 and to the front or reabrake mechanism 106 or 108 for operation as is known in the art. In oneexample, the chamber cover 272 may be removed to replace or repair theflexible membrane 310.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show another aspect of the control device 100 accordingto the disclosure. In this example, a backer 280 can be inserted betweenand sandwiched by the cover 148 and the paddle end 138 of the shiftlever 132. Each part can be formed to define a receiving portion, suchas a pocket 282, that captures an edge of the backer 280. The backer 280can create a contact point between the top of the shift lever 132 and acontact surface on the inside surface of the brake lever front wall 130c, as shown in FIG. 9. The contact surface can include a bump orprotrusion 284 positioned to contact the backer 280. The backer 280 isessentially captured between the bump 284 on the brake lever insidesurface 130 c and the pocket 282 on the shift lever 132. The backer 280can be formed from a durable material with low friction characteristics.In one example, the backer 280 can be made from a material differentfrom the shift lever, such as Teflon, and then can be attached to theshift lever. The backer 280 can thus allow the shift lever 132 to slidelaterally and easily relative to the brake lever 102 to inhibit bindingand wear.

In the disclosed control device 100, the interior cavity 146 of theshift lever 132 contains the shift control system PCB 154 and a separatearm cavity 290, which extends along the lever arm 140. The lever arm 140can be open along a forward side that is oriented facing the brake leverfront wall 130 c. The opening can open to the arm cavity 290, guides andretains the electrical cable assembly or wires 210 extending between thePCB 154 and the battery unit 212 and accessory jacks 216. The interiorcavity 146 and the arm cavity 290 are joined via an internal hole (notshown) in the interior of the shift lever 132. These cavities couldinstead be joined via a slot. The cover 148 is fastened to the paddleend 138 of the shift lever 132, as described below, to provide a sealthat prevents water and other contaminants from reaching the PCB 154.The electrical cable assembly, which consists of one or more independentwires 210, passes through the hole between the interior cavity 146 andthe arm cavity 290. The arm cavity 290 is also filled with epoxy duringassembly to both secure the wires 210 in place and provide a seal thatprevents water and other contaminants from accessing the interior of thecable assembly and wires, the PCB 154, and the interior cavity 146.

As shown in FIG. 14, prior to the application of epoxy to the arm cavity290, an epoxy blocker piece 292 can be installed at the location, i.e.,the hole between the interior cavity 146 and the arm cavity 290. Theepoxy blocker piece 292 provides a temporary seal that prevents epoxyfrom flowing into the circuit board cavity before solidifying. Once theshift lever assembly 112 is installed with the brake lever 102, theepoxy filled opening along the lever arm 140 faces the front wall 130 cof the brake lever so that it would not be readily visible.

The disclosed control device 100 and the shift lever assembly 112 isconfigured such that the shift control system and battery unit areseparated from the accessory jacks, even though the electronics areformed as one self-contained piece. The configuration results in severalbenefits. Also, the battery unit can be placed on a different side ofthe housing than the accessory jacks, which enables the use of atwisting battery cover with a deep coin slot. Further, the accessoryjacks, battery unit, and primary shift control button assembly are allindependently sealed against ingress of water or contaminants. Thus,moisture and contaminants are not able to travel from one subassembly toanother within the device. Still further, no circuit board is exposedwhen the removable seals for the battery cover and accessory jacks arenot in place. Thus, it is not possible for water or contaminants todamage the electrical shift control system when these seals are removed.

Another advantage is that the electrical cables or wires for the variouscomponents on the sides of the housing are routed around the exterior ofthe housing. This can improve the strength of the housing and can allowfor complete assembly and installation of the electrical systemcomponents prior to installation on the housing. Still further, theshift control system only requires one circuit board located in theshift lever. Also, an epoxy seal is used at the interface of theelectrical cables or wires and the shift control circuit board in theshift lever. This allows a multiple pin connector piece used to securethe wires to the circuit board to be installed prior to installing thecables or wires in the shift lever.

Although certain bicycle control device examples, features, aspects,components, and characteristics have been described herein in accordancewith the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage ofthis patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent coversall embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fallwithin the scope of permissible equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control device mountable to a bicyclehandlebar, the control device comprising: a housing sized and shaped tobe grasped by a user's hand, the housing including a recess; a shiftlever coupled to and movable relative to the housing; an electricalswitch that can be actuated by movement of the shift lever; a controllerin communication with the electrical switch, the controller configuredto generate a signal in response to actuation of the electrical switch;a communication module configured to transmit the signal; a battery unitwithin the recess of the housing, the battery unit configured to containa battery for providing power to the controller and the communicationmodule; and a first connector and a second connector each having a firstcentral axis and a second central axis, respectively, the first centralaxis and the second central axis defining a plane therethrough, whereinthe battery unit and the recess are configured to position the batteryperpendicular to the plane.
 2. The control device of claim 1, whereinthe battery unit includes a battery cover and an opening, wherein thebattery is positioned within the opening.
 3. The control device of claim2, wherein the battery cover closes off the opening.
 4. The controldevice of claim 3, wherein the battery cover encloses a portion of thehousing.
 5. The control device of claim 4, wherein the battery cover ispart of an external surface of the control device adjacent with thehousing.
 6. The control device of claim 3, wherein the battery cover isremoveable.
 7. The control device of claim 3, wherein the battery unitincludes a sealing element configured to provide a moisture andcontaminant proof seal when the battery cover is assembled.
 8. Thecontrol device of claim 7, wherein the sealing element is an o-ringgasket.
 9. The control device of claim 3, wherein the battery unitincludes a battery case.
 10. The control device of claim 9, wherein thebattery cover is configured to be secured directly to the battery case.11. The control device of claim 1, wherein the first connector and thesecond connector are configured to connect remote features to thecontrol device.
 12. The control device of claim 11, wherein the firstconnector and the second connector connect the remote features to thecontroller.
 13. The control device of claim 11, wherein first connectorand the second connector connect the remote features to the battery.